Noella meets her therapy dogs!

When therapy dogs came to Noella’s hospital room as the toddler was battling leukemia, her mom didn’t realize the impact a little puppy would have on her daughter.

Just past her first birthday, adorable Noella had chronic fevers. The vivacious child who started walking at 10 months old, stopped walking. Doctors told her mom, Jennifer, and dad, Jason, that Noella either had a stress fracture or cancer. The final diagnosis was cancer, and an odd form for a baby. Noella was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), a fast-growing cancer of the blood and bone marrow that usually affects adults – the average age is 65. Fewer than 10% of people with AML are children. A very special little girl, indeed.

Noella was hospitalized at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital almost constantly from December, 2007 to June,

“We would go to the park and Noella would see the dogs. She didn’t really care about the swings when there was a dog around,” Jennifer said. “The therapy dogs made quite an impression on her.”

So when it came for Noella who turns 4 in October to choose her wish, a new puppy was of course her dream. And she chose an Australian Labradoodle!

After an initial overnight stay to get to know each other, Noella has her new friend Hippo home for good! And Hippo is fast becoming part of the family! “He has adapted right into our family and it seems like we have had him forever,” Jennifer said. “I am sure Hippo never realized ‘slides and park time’ could be so much fun!”

Hippo is likely to never be bored. Noella is very active and enjoys long walks – sometimes two hours! “Hippo is pooped when he gets back from his walk,” Jennifer said.

Noella still has her keepsake stethoscope, which is a reminder of her journey. She takes blood pressure on people and she’s a little “techie” in that regard, her mom says, but now she is focused on the beauty and freedom of being in remission and the fun of having a new puppy.

Noella and Hippo lounging together!

Jennifer said it’s fun to see Noella balance between Hippo as a playmate and a pet. But Hippo doesn’t seem to mind! He and Noella are becoming fast friends.

Soon, there will be another friend in the house! Noella will be joined by a little brother or sister in October!

Jennifer has enjoyed this celebratory time. Two years is a big marker for Noella’s cancer and Noella’s wish to have a new puppy comes at that time. “It puts a happy experience to it all… We explained it to Noella, that everything she has been through, this is a reminder and a wonderful gift to her,” Jennifer said.

And what a gift Noella is to us all.

That’s Karen Davis. Disney aficionado, tireless supporter of wishes and the last person to bring any attention to herself. So under duress, we’re going to spotlight our Acting Executive Director (just a little), and let you, our supporters, know what great hands we’re all in!

Karen is quick to say that her work with the Foundation – which has spanned leadership roles from volunteer services to communications – has never been a job. “I get to go to the office and be inspired daily by wish kids, families, volunteers, donors and my wonderful colleagues,” she notes.

Karen refers to the Foundation as an “umbrella of goodness” where generous people come together and collectively make a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of families each year.

This time of year, our team is focused on wishes and the Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour. The tour, a 300 mile cycling event from Traverse City to Chelsea on July 22-25, is the largest annual fundraiser for the Michigan chapter and is fundamentally important to our ability to grant wishes. This is the time of year when the team Karen heralds comes together like none other.

“I challenge anyone to find a more dedicated group of hard-working, warm-hearted and professional individuals who come together as a family to support each other and make wishes come true,” Karen said, adding, “and literally hundreds of volunteers come out to join in an extraordinary event to benefit our wish kids. Add to that our 800 riders, sponsors and wish families – WAM is truly an inspiring and uplifting experience.”

In Karen’s eyes, the Foundation isn’t a building, a particular group of staff, volunteers or supporters. It’s all these forces joining together as a community of support for our wish children. It’s this “community” that embraces our wish families to insure that joy remains in their lives during some of the darkest days any of us can imagine.

And that’s what fuels Karen’s passion and that of the colleagues she has so much respect for.

With more than 500 Michigan children medically eligible for heartfelt wishes, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan is operating in an economy that continues to batter Michigan families and businesses. But the challenge has not been a daunting one for Karen and her leadership exudes the confidence necessary to overcome economics. “This is an opportunity for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to join together and create positive events for others who need support,” Karen said. “It’s human kindness at its best.”

Karen, who will be 43 on July 3, is married to Tom and has two children, Nick and Lily. Nick has been living with life-threatening allergies most of his life, and she notes that the Foundation and wish children have given them an important and positive perspective for Nick’s challenges. Nick has said many times that he gets strength from the wish kids and their brave actions.

It’s this blending of business savvy and personal passion that give Karen her steady hand. She is the first to acknowledge the economy has impacted the Foundation, but quick with gratitude for every donation that comes in our door – large or small.

And that’s why Karen keeps the focus on our important wish-granting mission. Our staff team, volunteers and donors know well that the economy will heal and when it does, there will continue to be Michigan children who need a special kind of healing that only a wish can bring. And the Make-A-Wish Foundation will be here leading the way to smiles and laughter.

Thanks for reading!
Laura Varon Brown
Director of Communications and Public Relations

Crossing a finish line after riding 300 miles from Traverse City to Chelsea to help grant wishes to amazing Michigan kids, well that’s one of those moments.

The Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour (WAM) on July 22-25 will have 800 riders over 3 days riding for one reason and that’s to put a smile on the faces of children who have lost that smile because of a cruel medical diagnosis. Because of the dedication of our riders – many who return year after year – these kids will have a joyous wish experience that will last a lifetime. And that joy is often the best medicine ever!

There are a lot of heroes on the WAM tour. There are riders of course and volunteers. There are sponsors and there are the many donors who support our riders. That’s how wishes get granted. But the real heroes are who we call our Wish Heroes. These are the dozens of wish children – many who have gone on their wishes and many who are anxiously awaiting their wishes – who greet the riders when they finish the 3-day tour.

Waiting for the riders with a medal and smile and always a hug, the children give the riders what’s most important – the love and thankful embrace for giving and caring and making dreams possible.

Our Wish Heroes have amazing stories, stories like Nicholas . Nicholas was diagnosed with Wilms, a form of pediatric kidney cancer. At only 4-years-old, all he wanted was a playground in his backyard to go to during his chemotherapy treatments because he didn’t have any place to play while he was sick. One of the best memories of his wish was how Nicholas got to “help” the builders. The wish helped to heal Nicholas, but his mom said it also healed the whole family.

For Keyan, this amazing little girl wanted to sing with Ariel. At 3-years-old, that was her magical wish. So off to Walt Disney World® Resort she went!

Keyan has Cerebral Palsy with severe chronic lung disease. Last year she spent her birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas in the hospital. For Keyan’s family, the gift of her wish, the gift of time with their amazing daughter has given them memories that carry them through the darkest days and their gratitude can’t be measured. The family spends a lot of time apart because of hospitalizations so the memories of Keyan dancing and singing on stage at Give Kids The World will stay forever with her family and with Keyan.

And there’s Derrick.  Derrick, diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia also wished for a magical Disney adventure. At 4 years old, Barney and Mickey Mouse are pretty high on the list for Derrick! Meeting Barney was quite a sight for his family!

Derrick’s grandmother said that seeing Derrick put sickness aside and just seeing him laugh was wonderful. She said Derrick meeting Barney was priceless. Just a trip of a lifetime for a little boy so deserving of joy.

When the riders cross the finish line, these are the memories that are in the minds of the Wish Heroes as they place a medal over the heads of their riders. They will give a hug and big thank you. But the glow of the medal is hard to miss. It’s shining bright with joy and gratitude for our Make-A-Wish family of heroes!

Meet all 50 of our Wish Heroes!
View more WAM and Hero Hurrah photos!

Join the tour as WAM 300 mile or WAM 50 mile rider!
Join the tour as a volunteer!

Their joyful memories and notes of thanks fuel efforts for all the wishes and all the children to follow.

A few of our wish friends, Desi, Haley and Mitchell shared recent experiences and notes of praise. We hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Desi

Desi, age 9, wished to go to Walt Disney World® Resort. Along with the in-kind support from Disney, Desi, diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia, also had a very special wish sponsor, the Ferrantino Charitable Foundation.

See how much a wish impacts a family through the heartfelt letter sent by Desi’s family:

“It helped us to remember life is more than dealing with Desi’s chronic illness. It (the trip) continues to be a beacon of hope, joy and inspiration, to find more fun things we can do together as a family.” 

“Desi felt special with all of the attention she received from the characters! They all called her ‘princess’ and gave her special attention. She was thrilled with the Fairy Godmother, who, from her float, pointed her out and acknowledged her, and gave her a special sprinkle of dust!” 

“It was wonderful to be able to go where we wanted, when we wanted, and not be concerned with funds, cars, logistics (other than reading the map), etc. It was great to just be together as a family and have fun together!”

Haley

Haley meets Princess Belle!

Haley, diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is 4. Her magical wish also was to go to Walt Disney World Resort. Thanks to Disney’s help, she and her family traveled to Florida in March.

See how a wish can inspire joy in a child and restore normalcy, through the words of  Haley’s family: 

“I am still amazed by all the things we did in 6 days! For the first time since before starting chemo – we just felt like a normal family again! We were able to forget about the stress of cancer and focus on our family & spending quality time together. To be able to go into the kids room every morning and say, “Hey guys guess what we are doing today!?” and seeing the looks of joy on their faces! Nothing was better than that! 

“Haley enjoyed just about everything! Most of all I think she just enjoyed feeling like a normal kid again! There were many ‘firsts’ for Haley on this trip. First time riding a horse, meet Mickey & Minnie & Princesses! First time petting dolphins & rays & seeing a whale! First time eating a banana split & so much more! You should have seen the joy!” 

“I feel like nothing I say could do it justice. It was amazing & so much more! From the very beginning all of you at

 Make-A-Wish made us feel very special. Visiting all of the Disney Parks & Sea World & staying at GKTW Village was wonderful. Far exceeded expectations!”

Mitchell 

For Mitchell, relaxing in the sun was a special part of his wish. Mitchell is 15 and is living with Cystic Fibrosis. In May, Mitchell and his family enjoyed a Florida vacation, complete with boating and fishing and plenty of sun on his face! 

Fan mail letters sure are nice, especially when they come with a wish!

Read more wish stories and testimonials at www.wishmich.org/wishes

Ellie Andrus

…but if Ellie, at 17 and diagnosed with leukemia, knew what the future held, just maybe the twist and sometimes cruel turns ahead of her, would have brought a smile now and again.

Ellie was a senior in high school. Battling senioritis was her biggest health concern – that was until her doctor said the words that would change her life: You have leukemia.

For nearly three years Ellie endured chemotherapy and the complications from the powerful drugs. She fought depression and lost her hair. All of it. And Ellie had great hair. For a 17 year old, having great hair and great friends made life about perfect. But when you lose your hair, Ellie learned you don’t lose your friends or your family. In fact, for Ellie, her friends and family would pave the way for her journey.

“Cancer is a family affair,” Ellie said, “the anxiety and pain touches everyone.” It’s the recognition of that pain that first brought Ellie to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Ellie’s wish to go to Hawaii with her family helped them all set aside the hard “Cancer World” and enjoy the sunshine and the beaches. And aboard the deck of a sailboat, Ellie found hope again. They all did.

Ellie and her Family on her Hawaiian Wish Adventure

On the beach, with so much harshness behind them, Ellie’s dad said to her, “It has been a long road, and a hard fight, but sitting here is pretty cool.” Ellie said she couldn’t agree more and from there, she pressed forward with a perspective not all teenagers have.

Ellie never forgot her wish experience. And from time to time as she was in college at Western Michigan University and starting on her career path, she would run into volunteers and staff from the Foundation. She always shared her story – with other wish kids, kids with cancer or anyone who will listen to what it meant to climb that mountain and how you can’t do it without help.

Back at the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, when it came time to hire a Community Development Director in west Michigan, with Ellie now 27 with experience having worked for Hospice of Michigan, and a story to tell, it was a clear choice.

In March, the doors of the Foundation opened again for Ellie, but this time it’s Ellie who is giving back. As a development director, Ellie embraces the challenge of a tough economy because she knows that without donors, successful events and dedicated sponsors, kids like her can’t set aside that hard “Cancer World.”

Ellie has immediately taken on two major events — Dancing with the Make-A-Wish Stars and the West Michigan Walk for Wishes in September. Along with events, Ellie is building a dedicated and giving band of corporate and individual donors who also recognize the power of a wish.

Ellie holding her nephew

It’s ironic that a dancing event kicks off Ellie’s work with the Foundation. Because the Foundation is sure a lot lighter on its feet and singing a happy tune knowing that one of our wish kids is now one of our staff.

Dancing with the Make-A-Wish Stars is today,  Thursday, May 20. Through the month of May, you can help grant a wish for wish kid Jacob in honor of the event by texting WISH to 27722.

To reach Ellie in our West Michigan office please email her at eandrus@wishmich.org.

When wishes are granted for our Michigan children, the story begins with a family on a heartfelt journey. At the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, we hope that our part in that journey brings the joy and anticipation that often escapes our wish families during the challenges of a child with a life-threatening illness. But to bring that joy, we need help from generous volunteers, donors and sponsors who also believe. And we have a big believer in Macy’s.

Through the sponsorship with Macy’s and the Thanks for Sharing & Believe campaigns, $300,000 was donated this year to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. Since 2003, Macy’s has donated more than $33 million to the Foundation nationwide. We are so proud of our long-standing relationship and thank Macy’s customers and associates for all they do to help make wishes come true.

But the real thanks is coming from kids like Jessica and Jacob whose recent wishes were sponsored by Macy’s. Jessica and Jacob tell the story so clearly of the difference a simple letter to Santa dropped in a Macy’s North Pole box or participation in the Thanks for Sharing program can make.

Kevin Madigan Hoen, Vice President and Store Manager for Macy’s Twelve Oaks, has a special place in his heart and in his store for wish kids. His store has consistently been one of the top performing stores in the country.

“It makes you feel so good to see kids write their letter to Santa and know that another dollar goes to Make-A-Wish,” Kevin said. “I have five healthy kids. There is nothing more touching for a parent to see kids grow up healthy and happy. When dealt a curveball, we may not be able to make them totally healthy, but we can make them happy.”

And that’s what Kevin and all the Macy’s stores and employees have done for Jessica and Jacob.

Jessica is 9 years old and was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) when she was 7. Come October, she will have completed two years of chemotherapy. In her first year of the diagnosis Jessica was not doing well so her mom, Sheila, didn’t want to get Jessica’s hopes up about going on a wish. But then Jessica started doing much better and they realized that she would be strong enough to go on her magical wish adventure to Walt Disney World® Resort.

So along with dad, Brian and brother Hunter, the family enjoyed a trip that Sheila said they could have never done without the help of Make-A-Wish and Macy’s. The family has not been able to travel much, so they are so appreciative of the opportunity and ease of the trip. “It was so nice for the four of us to travel together,” Sheila said. “Every detail was planned. The trip was so smooth.”

Whether it was the park rides or the horse and buggy ride at Give Kids The World, Jessica had a ball. Wearing shorts in January was a special treat, Sheila said! The whole family has these memories of Jessica and a trip they will remember forever.

That same feeling is shared by Jacob and his family. Ten-year-old Jacob spent four months in the hospital after he was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma. He’s been in remission for a year, so his wish came at a wonderful time for his family. In February, Jacob, his mom Beth and dad, Chris and twin siblings, Christopher and Jessica went on a Royal Caribbean cruise!

Beth said they had never been on a family trip and it was just incredible. “Everyone treated Jacob like a prince,” Beth said. On the ship, there was a Walk For Wishes to raise money for wish kids. Beth said the whole crew walked with them as passengers took photos and joined in.

What really made Jacob’s wish special is that his family made it a celebration of Jacob’s life and the people who love him most, Grandma and Grandpa Riley, Grandma and Grandpa Taylor, and their friends Bud & Dorothy Kempisty took their vacations along with them. It was amazing for everyone to see Jacob getting stronger and smiling at each day’s adventure.

Jacob talks about his wish adventure every day as the family drinks out of their “cruise cups” and recalls the great memories that a year ago just didn’t seem possible.

But these wishes and dreams are possible. You just have to BELIEVE!

Thank you Macy’s and thank you Jacob and Jessica for letting us be a part of your journey!

Click here to read more about Macy’s commitment to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

As the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Michigan, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America and Make-A-Wish Foundation® International come together in celebration of 30 years of wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions, one little Michigan girl brings us all together.

This one very special little girl, Antonela, along with her new mom and dad, Katie and Randy, know all about wishes and what it means to have them come true.

Less than two years ago, eight-year-old Antonela was living in an orphanage in Albania. She lived in a square, sparse room with no toys, and she shared it with 15 other children. The room did have a television, and that’s why Antonela watched Snow White more than 300 times. With no toys and no family, Snow White became a magical escape.

But Antonela’s own special story was just beginning. It started when Jann, Katie’s mom, a volunteer on a church mission trip, met little Antonela at an orphanage. After Jann got home, she couldn’t get the children out of her mind, especially Antonela.

One day when Jann was sitting with Katie, Jann mentioned little Antonela and said the little girl had so much potential if she just had a family and parents who could give her love and opportunity. When Katie’s then 7-year-old son Alec overheard them, he announced, “We have to adopt Antonela!”

Katie explained that she and husband Randy already had four children and were living in a time where their family had been hit very hard by the Michigan economy. She also explained it’s very expensive to adopt a child.

Alec, known as a toy monger, proclaimed, “I will sell all my toys!”

That proclamation and continued insistence by Alec led to family conversations and reflections of what the family really needed and what they could live without.

Jann had told Katie that Antonela had an illness, but no one really knew what it was. A few inquiries and Katie and Randy learned that Antonela had an illness called Thalassemia, a blood disorder where Antonela’s body will not hold hemoglobin. They learned that Antonela had the most severe form, requiring blood transfusions every two weeks. These transfusions and the extreme amounts of iron that come with them will deteriorate Antonela’s organs. There is no cure.

When Katie learned that Antonela was not eligible for adoption because her biological mother never officially abandoned her, Katie didn’t know if she should be relieved or not. She asked herself the questions anyone would: How can we care for a child who we know is very ill? How can we love a child we may have to let go of?

And then of course, as a family, they decided, how can we not?

Katie said she mourned during this period. She mourned for the child she may bring home or the one she may not ever be able to. But then with each day, Antonela began to feel like her child. And that’s when Katie said God put them on a special path.

Katie, Randy and the kids had not yet met Antonela in person, but weekly, they talked with her and played games over the computer using Skype. No one knew if it would be weeks, months or even years before Antonela could join their family.

With the blessings of an Albania court and the blessing of Antonela’s biological grandmother, things started to come together. Then came the embrace of a West Michigan community that held fundraisers and gave personal donations to raise the more than $35,000 it would take to bring Antonela home.

By Christmas 2008, Antonela was in Zeeland with her new family.

With their expanded family, they began to settle in as the international journey became a very local journey — one that made a path to the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. This is where Antonela’s doctor mentioned the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.

There’s no remission for Antonela, yet her family now realizes that the best medicine comes in many forms. They now know that magic and wishes come when you least expect them.

A great home for Antonela. A great doctor. A great wish.

Katie said their family had long dreamed of going to Walt Disney World® Resort but financially they just kept putting it off. And when they made the list of the things they could live without in order to bring Antonela into their family, Disney was on the list.

But now, on Antonela’s long days in the hospital, she has a wish to be excited about as she and her mom, dad, brothers and sisters get ready to go to Walt Disney World Resort on May 1st thanks to the generosity of the Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and its supporters!

Katie says Antonela may think she is going to a carnival. Antonela has been to the Tulip Festival carnival but the family couldn’t afford the rides. How amazing it will be when Antonela walks down Main Street and when she gets to hug the real Snow White!

It will be a long way from the square room, with no toys and no mom and dad.

What was once a world away for Antonela is now a world of opportunity and love.

And that’s what World Wish Day is all about.

Support World Wish Day and toss a coin into the virtual wish fountain!

Learn more about World Wish Day on the Michigan Chapter’s website by clicking here.
See how Disney and Brooks Brothers are supporting World Wish Day by clicking here.

Volunteers Cecilia Meko & Monica Wiles spending time with Christopher whose wish was to go to Walt Disney World Resort®!

For more than 26 years, hundreds of volunteers have generously contributed their time and talents to change the world, one wish at a time. Volunteers are a valued, indispensable asset to our organization. It is because of their commitment and support that we are able to grant incredible wishes to every eligible child and host fun-filled community events to raise necessary funds.

We rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers throughout the year to help make wishes come true. While many are involved with wish interviews and planning, the key to our sustainability also comes from the support of our event, activity and office volunteers who unselfishly donate their time so deserving children and their families can experience and share the power
of a wish^®.

Volunteer Gail Gile cheers on Walkers!

 At least 50 of our valued volunteers will be at the Detroit Zoo on Saturday, May 8 as we walk along with supporters of all ages at the Walk for Wishes. And from July 22-25, more than 200 volunteers will spread out from Traverse City to Chelsea for our Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour (WAM) and Heroes Hurrah. It is here that wish children – our Wish Heroes – welcome our riders and volunteers with open arms of love and praise (and some pretty fancy medals of honor!).  

 

WAM, Team Craig, Volunteers support riders in true Dr. Suess style!

Volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan is a rewarding experience that simply cannot be measured. Think about it, our volunteers are literally making dreams and wishes come true! Whether speaking in the community on behalf of a grateful Foundation, assisting at events or involvement in our wish granting program (more than 200 volunteers have gone through extensive wish granting training), volunteers have a very important role in the lives of the wish children and families we serve.

Volunteer Michael Bergeron accepting a check from Walmart

In many cases our volunteers impact families in two ways, both as volunteer and donor. Though obviously not required, many of our volunteers also choose to support the Foundation through monetary contributions. We recently took note of this trend and are responding by creating new opportunities for our volunteers to further engage with the Foundation.

In March, spearheaded by our director of Volunteer services, Lisa Clothier, many of our volunteers jumped into a new campaign called Friends, Family & Fans, which allows individuals and groups to set up customized fundraising pages to collect donations. Lisa set up her personal site first, getting her husband and children involved. She then reached out to the volunteers, giving them a goal: Help grant the wish of 8-year-old Autumn who is living with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a congenital syndrome that involves a combination of several abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels.

Wish Child Autumn will be going to Disney!

Our volunteers, who already give so generously of their time, jumped in and set up their personal fundraising pages. The result? This spring, Autumn and her family will experience the magic of Walt Disney World® Resort thanks in great part to our volunteers’ fundraising efforts! This trip will mean the world to a little girl who is dreaming of hugs from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and all the joy Disney can bring!

We are so grateful for our volunteers, and Lisa says it best for all of us: “Once again, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan volunteers came together and this time they helped grant a magical wish for Autumn! We can’t thank our volunteers enough for all they do to help make wishes come true! Whether they are driving extra miles for a rush wish, volunteering time after a long day at work to support an event, or helping us raise much needed dollars, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan volunteers are always ready to lend a hand. Thanks so much for all you do!”

Click here to learn more about Friends, Family & Fans.
Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.

Brendan, diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – cancer of the brain and spinal cord, received the OK from his doctors to travel, and he and his family went on his magical wish adventure to Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida. Here are the words of Brendan’s mom, Krista, as she describes the wonderful wish for Brendan:

 ———————————————————————————————————————-

“Thanks to Make-A-Wish, Brendan was able to have what he called “a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” He loved being able to feel like a regular kid again. Everyone at Give Kids The World (resort) was amazing. They treated the kids so wonderfully and made us feel so welcome. We were completely amazed at everything we were given by Make-A-Wish and Give Kids the World. It truly was an incredible experience and something we never would have been able to give Brendan on our own.

The limo ride was so great because the kids felt like rock stars! We went to several parks including Magic Kingdom, Sea World, Universal Studios and Disney Hollywood Studios. At each park, Brendan was treated like a king. He felt so special being able to get in the fast lines and having some extra-special attention. His favorite ride at Magic Kingdom was Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. He also loved the parade at the Magic Kingdom. The characters in the parade waved directly at him, blew kisses, gave him the thumbs up and the ones walking would come right up to him and stop; giving him extra attention. It brought tears to my eyes. It was truly magical. At Sea World, we got to feed the dolphins. That was a ton of fun and something none of us had ever done before. Brendan fell in love with them!

At the Village there was so much to do, but Brendan’s favorite was the “eat as much as you want ice cream place!” It was open from morning til night and you could eat there anytime you wanted to. That in itself was a kid’s dream come true!

We did have to have his blood drawn twice and as we expected, the second one came back with extremely low platelets so we had make a visit to the children’s hospital in Orlando to get a transfusion. That day wasn’t the best, but it’s just a part of this battle that we’ve all come to know.

The kids came back with so many souvenirs. In fact, we were quite a bit over the weight limit on one of our suitcases, but when we explained we were on Brendan’s Make-A-Wish trip, they didn’t charge us extra. We also met several other families who were on their Make-A-Wish trip.

It was heartwarming seeing so many children and families getting a chance to get away from their worries and enjoy themselves.

We are so thankful to Make-A-Wish for giving Brendan this “once-in-a-lifetime” trip. We are also thankful for so many that make wishes possible for kids, like Brendan, through donations. It makes a difference in the lives of so many children.

Read more wish stories here

Dr. James Fahner, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

As a children’s cancer specialist, it is my great privilege to help care for some of the most extraordinary children and young adults that you can imagine. These are kids who have had devastating challenges, and sometimes insurmountable odds forced upon them, along with a “new life” of surgeries, hospital stays, clinic visits, painful procedures, nauseating chemotherapy, hair loss, separation and isolation.

Dr. Fahner spends time with Zachary whose wish came true when he visited Disney World!

You might expect anger, bitterness and withdrawal – they would have every right. But you would be wrong: on a daily basis, I am filled with admiration – and awe – for their humor, their courage, for their strength, for their grace, for their concern for their parents, their siblings, and for the other children in clinic around them.

I often wonder, what could possibly fuel their resilience and their hope? There is no doubt that one part of that “prescription” is the opportunity to take part in a Make-A-Wish experience.

Rochelle, diagnosed with Leukemia, wished for a puppy. Tinkerbell provided a dose of hope & love that lasts & lasts!

Not a day goes by in our clinic that I don’t overhear excited plans for a Make-A-Wish trip, see photo albums brimming with family smiles taken during a recent wish adventure, watch as anxiety and concern over a lab test or clinic check-up melt into magical wish stories that change their day to one filled with anticipation, positive energy and joy.

I am grateful to be a part of that journey – you can be, too!

Tyler, diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, blasted off with a great wish to visit the NASA Mars Lander.

The need has never been greater: these are challenging financial times, and a difficult economy. So many wonderful friends and supporters are making wishes come true; we offer them our heartfelt thanks, and we offer you the opportunity to help make wishes come true – please join us on the Make-A-Wish journey! 

With heartfelt thanks,

Dr. James Fahner, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan Chairman of the Board

Dr. Fahner participates in Madison's wish by attending her treehouse presentation!

Read Dr. James Fahner’s Bio Here